Maximizing Vibrational State in Raman Spectroscopy: Techniques and Pricing

[kye]

I have read about it, and interested. Here's some questions not obvious in the references I read.

For the strokes where the laser final result is higher than the ground state or more accurately described by Wikipedia "If the final vibrational state of the molecule is more energetic than the initial state, the emitted photon will be shifted to a lower frequency for the total energy of the system to remain balanced. This shift in frequency is designated as a Stokes shift."

What are the ways you can further increase the vibrational state of the molecule so you get even bigger strokes shift? for example.. from wavenumber of 2000 to 8000 (meaning the frequency is less because the molecule is getting increases in the energy)? Does heating count as one? or using catalysts for example?

Is the energy increase in the strokes (above ground state) related to the QM Hamiltonian (which handles all energy)?

Who has handle Raman Spectroscope? How much is the cheapest system you can buy and accurate enough?

 

[AndyW]

Hello there,

Thank you for your interest in Raman spectroscopy and for your questions. I am happy to provide some answers and insights based on my knowledge and experience as a scientist in this field.

To start, let's clarify the concept of Stokes shift. As you mentioned, it refers to the shift in frequency of the emitted photon when the final vibrational state of the molecule is more energetic than the initial state. This shift is a result of the conservation of energy principle, where the total energy of the system must remain balanced. So, to achieve a larger Stokes shift, you would need to somehow increase the energy of the molecule in its final vibrational state.

There are several ways to do this, and yes, heating the sample is one of them. By increasing the temperature, you are providing more thermal energy to the molecules, which can result in higher vibrational states. However, this may also lead to other unwanted effects such as sample degradation or changes in the molecular structure.

Another way to increase the vibrational energy is by using catalysts or other chemical reactions. These can provide additional energy to the molecules, resulting in a larger Stokes shift. However, this approach may require more specialized equipment and techniques.

In terms of the relationship between the energy increase in the Stokes shift and the quantum mechanical Hamiltonian, it is indeed related. The Hamiltonian describes the total energy of the system, including the different energy levels of the molecules. So, by increasing the energy of the molecule in its final vibrational state, you are essentially changing the Hamiltonian of the system.

As for who handles Raman spectroscopy, it is a technique that is commonly used in various fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. So, it may be handled by scientists from different backgrounds, depending on their research interests. As for the cost of a Raman spectroscope, it can vary depending on the specific system and its capabilities. However, there are some affordable options available on the market, starting at a few thousand dollars. It is important to note that the accuracy and capabilities of the system may also be reflected in the price.

I hope this helps answer your questions and provides some further insight into Raman spectroscopy. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you for your interest and curiosity in this topic.